Poetry. "What I like most about the poems in John Vanek's first collection is his commitment to the poetics of clarity. Things are said straight in these poems, with careful attention to illuminating what the poet calls `a shelter for my shifting life,' by which he means our lives as well"--Bruce Weigl. "With humor, sympathy, and an eye for what makes us most human, John Vanek offers us a far-ranging view of life that feels hard-earned and complete"--Elton Glaser.

Author City: SANDUSKY, OH USA

John (Jack) Vanek was born and raised in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. He received his bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University, where his passion for creative writing took root. He received his medical degree from the University of Rochester, did his internship at University Hospitals of Cleveland, and completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. While practicing medicine for a quarter century, his interest in writing never waned. He began honing his craft by attending creative writing workshops and college courses. He has published four dozen poems, won many awards, and shared his work in readings. HEART MURMURS: POEMS is his first book.